This summer, Sara Tullis, CDS Middle School Counselor and Department Lead, traveled to Kobe, Japan, where she was part of the Round Square Faculty Exchange with Kansai International Academy. Greeted by Dana Warren, the Round Square Coordinator, and hosted by Hiroko Ishikawa, Lower School Vice Principal, and Hiroko Takagi, Head of School, she was welcomed into a vibrant academic community reminiscent of CDS in many ways.
Sara shares the following experiences that made her Round Square Exchange memorable.
During my exchange, I had the opportunity to present our CDS campus and learn about KIA's approach to education. I collaborated with both Japanese and English-speaking faculty and staff on social-emotional support in education, academic and behavioral interventions, school-based community-building activities, IB unit planning, and so much more! I observed classes and participated in the highly anticipated annual Sports Day, which was a wonderful experience.
One of the highlights of my visit was leading lessons with 2nd, 4th, and 5th-grade classes on conflict resolution and with 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th graders on stress management and burnout. These interactions were incredibly rewarding and insightful.
Beyond the classroom, my travel week was filled with enriching experiences. I stayed in a Buddhist temple in Mount Koyasan, made the pilgrimage to Miyajima, paid respects in Hiroshima, took in the natural beauty of Kyoto, learned the history, experienced the cuisine, and admired the culture and sights of Osaka and Tokyo. Each destination offered unique insights and deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture.
This journey has not only enriched my professional life but also broadened my personal horizons, and I am excited to bring these insights back to CDS.
Looking ahead as a Round Square School, Mrs. Tullis looks forward to continuing her partnership with KIA and sharing all that she gained from her experience with our CDS community! Check out all of Mrs. Tullis' photos from her trip on our photo share site here.
Carrollwood Day School is proud to be a member of Round Square, a prestigious global network of innovative schools in over 50 countries. Our membership in Round Square reflects our commitment to fostering international understanding, democratic governance, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership, and service among our students. Through this relationship, CDS students have unique opportunities to participate in international exchanges, service projects, and conferences, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their global citizenship.